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ORIGIN | 2019 | VIDEO

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2019 Child of Magohalmi and echos of creation. Yarat! Contemporary art space. Baku, Azerbaijan

The video work reflects on the absence of prominent female figures in Azerbaijani fairy tales by telling the story of the goddess Humai. In ancient Azerbaijani mythology, there exists a legend in which the world consisted only of endless seas and the goddess Humai—depicted as a half-woman, half-bird.

In contrast to the widespread belief in an anthropomorphic male creator, Azerbaijani mythology presents Humai as the originator of the earth, flora, and fauna. Another version of the legend glorifies the proud and unyielding spirit of the goddess, who, after flying around the entire globe while concealing her exhaustion, returns to the Supreme God—striking him with her unwavering resolve.

References to the goddess Humai also appear in the works of the classical poet Nizami, reaffirming her place within the cultural and literary heritage of the region.

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Shalala Salamzadeh 

Multidisciplinary artist

Contact ⡷ shalala.salamzadeh@gmail.com

© 2025 | All artworks remain the intellectual property of the artist.

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